Monday, December 31, 2012

Looking Back: 2012 Favorites

There is a long list of new discoveries I've fallen in love with this year. Many were thanks to other bloggers (thank you for your inspiration). It's been a challenging year for me in my non-blogging work life. Thanks to many of you for keeping me inspired and for your never ending support. For my top picks, this year's favorites include the following:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

No. 1 - Best Splurge - Tom Ford Beauty Brushes

After reading numerous raves, I decided to purchase the Tom Ford Brush Set. It was a hefty investment but the brushes are well designed with an ultra-soft luxurious feel. The performance is simply amazing with makeup application. You have to try it to believe it. I have a detailed review on the Eye Contour Brush #12. The two others eye brushes I've acquired since then are equally amazing and while they were insanely expensive, the performance of these cannot be matched. I would say start with the Eye Shadow Brush #11, Eye Contour Brush #12 and Blush Brush #06 if you're new to his brush line.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

No. 2 Best Beauty Collection - Tom Ford Fall 2012

Since Tom Ford launched his beauty line, I mainly fell in love with his lipsticks and blushes. I felt the rest of the line was just ok. The quads were either too glitzy or glittery, nail polishes were thin and inconsistent in formula/pigment, liners seemed basic. However something happened with the fall line. I saw a significant improvement in texture and pigment with the metallic nail polishes in Dominatrix and Minx along with the Enchanted quad. Narcissist blush was as amazing as expected - a gorgeous hot pink.

The prettiest neutrals for cheeks this year (for me) came from Chanel's Fall 2012 collection. Rose Initiale is a soft yet healthy neutral pink. The Beiges highlighter gave my complexion a natural glow. A more detailed review linked here.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

No. 4 Best Lipsticks - Burberry Beauty

The best and most-used lipsticks for me this year were from Burberry Beauty. They have the most naturally flattering colors. It's nearly impossible for me to pick out favorites as I adore most of the colors. My top three most-used were Rosewood, Cameo Pink and Field Rose (a few swatches here and here). I also tried a few of their lip velvets but did not have time to review. The colors are richly pigmented and texture is smooth but not dry like the name "velvet" might imply. (Great swatches on Café Makeup and Kais Obsessions.)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

No. 5 Best Eye Base - Edward Bess Illuminating Eye Base

I was lucky to test a prototype of Edward's Eye Base at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills in April 2011. I waited a year before I was able to buy the actual product. Edward Bess's Illuminating Eye Base is by far the best eye base I've tried. I alternate between two shades in Dune (lighter matte) and Suede (a darker satiny color). They help shadows stay put. They even out the lids. And the best for me is that they don't dry my lids like most other bases do. They are swatched here.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

No. 6 Favorite Palettes - Le Métier de Beauté

As time goes by, I fall more and more in love with Le Métier de Beauté's Eyeshadow Formula. Their Eye Kaleidoscopes are just breathtaking and the color combinations pure genius. I love the smooth pigmented formula that layers and blends so well. Nouvelle Vague is unique and the delicate pink shades combined with the darkest black creates a sultry eye. Bauhaus is yet another beauty that I love. I hope more kits come out and that they are made more widely available.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

No. 7 Favorite Home Fragrance - Diptyque Candles

There a number of candles I love, but this year Diptyque won my heart. I love that their candles double as lovely brush or pen holders once finished. See them here too.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

No. 8 Favorite Color Theme - Coral

The most-frequently worn color for me this year was coral. My favorite coral was Chanel Distraction. See the color focus series here.

The top three beauty things I couldn't live without this year: Edward Bess's Daydream Bronzing Powder (the original one, already hit pan on one), Dolce and Gabbana's Powder Foundation in Warm 100, and NARS Volumizing Mascara. These are things I've repurchased.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In addition, a few reflections I've enjoyed reading that I wanted to share:

Oh, you make me wanna own all the TF brushes too! I only splurged on the Blush Brush, and I agree it's good. But it's $100 a brush over here, and the whole collection is going cost more than Kardashian Clear Cube!

I really like your Dior nail polishes. haha, the photos are familiar.

And I splurged on two Le Metier de Beaute kaleidoscopes too! Not to mention I picked up other LMdB items, and love them all.

Someday I will own a kaleidoscope! They're so beautiful! I wish Edward Bess was also more widespread, I'd love to see more counters such as in Nordstrom someday, his brand needs to be more widely known! All of the products you chose are stunning, and I can't wait to see what you post this year!

Amazing picks!! My wish list is getting bigger and bigger ;) that tom ford eye palette looks absolutely fantastic!! Right up my street :) btw I love how you have designed this post! it's a delight to read :) Happy new year 2013 my dear! xxx

The Beauty Look Book utilizes some affiliate links which may generate a small commission from clicks that result in a purchase. Press samples are occasionally sent to me for review consideration. Posts and reviews that feature press samples are disclosed. For more information refer to the FAQ section.